Golfers ready to compete at the US Disabled Open Championship

POWHATAN COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — More than 70 golfers from around the world are competing this week at the U.S. Disabled Open Championship at Independence Golf Club.

Jason Faircloth, the founder of the US Disabled Golf Association (USDGA), says that you will see golfers with different kinds of impairments.

“We have people from all different walks of life,” said Faircloth. “That’s what makes this so different and they’re all playing together.”

The tournament will be the first in the United States that is part of the world rankings but those playing say it’s about much more than golf. Dennis Duchi injured his spine in a skiing accident.

“We all take from each other,” said Duchi. “We all feed from each others energy and it’s indescribable to be around the group of people that’s going to be here this week.”

“The great thing about golf is that there’s no pictures on the scorecard,” said Keegan Kilroy who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at 18-years-old. “All that matters is the number you put down in the scorecard and it’s some impressive golf that’s being played.”